Each one of these steps has been critical to developing the skills and needed life experience to becoming a successful real estate investor.

I'm here to learn and hopefully one day be able to teach my skills and experience to another.

Since a property owner can't be circumvented, there is nobody behind them.ANY Seller, who offers to sell a cash flowing property knows they must provide the financials in order to consummate the sale.  

I'm assuming that when I have a few (1-5) properties, my skills acquired on the job (and supposed connections i would acquire, like handymen and contractors) would make being the PMan for them entirely doable.

I just think its a skill that's becoming more and more important.Trevor

Especially someone like Joe who makes statements about his investigating skills like "I have what I need at my finger's tips from the city to the federal level".

I am also willing to lend my skills as an attorney in exchange for experience.

One of the most important skills you can learn is accurately valuing properties both on an as-is and after repaired basis.  

Remember, you have a great skill-set simply by working in the construction field.

Three questions:-- biggest lesson learned in your first year as a landlord-- skill that was most difficult for you to learn -- which phase is hardest for you:  finding properties, screening / managing tenants, working with contractors, working out the financials, other???